Weekly briefing: Layoffs, pro-life activists must pay over $1.2M, pandemic impacting missions

We've compiled the top stories of the week. Here's what you need to know:

Christian groups announce layoffs; reduced giving in churches

As unemployment claims have soared past 30 million in the U.S., Christian groups and businesses have announced budget cuts and layoffs.

Due to a steep decline in revenue amid coronavirus shutdowns, LifeWay Christian Resources expects to cut $25-$30 million of recurring expenses from their operating budget, reduce staff, halt new hiring, and suspend salary raises.

In the U.K., the humanitarian organization Christian Aid said it will furlough about one-fifth of its staff and cut wages of those still employed.

A majority of pastors in the U.S., meanwhile, said giving has decreased.

“For pastors and church staff, there will be difficult days ahead as more church families are laid off or experience reduced incomes.” — Brian Kluth, Bless Your Pastor campaign

Judge orders pro-life activists to pay over $1.2M to Planned Parenthood

U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick of the Northern District of California ruled that a group of pro-life activists who were behind a series of undercover videos taken at Planned Parenthood facilities and abortion conferences are liable for more than $1.2 million in damages.

Those found liable include David Daleiden of Center for Medical Progress and Troy Newman of Operation Rescue.

The federal judge also barred them from attending Planned Parenthood events.

How COVID-19 is impacting global missions

Former missionaries and missions experts said there is a “slump” in midterm missions (which last one to four years) and medical missions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Also, with short-term missions mostly at a pause currently, they suggested it could negatively impact missions in the long term.

Biden denies sexual assault claims

Former Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden denied allegations of sexual assault made by former staffer Tara Reade.

In his first public response to the claims, Biden said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” ”I'm saying unequivocally: it never, never happened.”

His response comes as more sources have come out in support of Reade’s claims.

Interviews

Josh McDowell on Christians battling porn

“Porn is by far the greatest cancer ever to the church.” — McDowell

Wande on first major EP, pandemic

In case you missed it

Q conference coverage:

Eric Metaxas, David French debate evangelicals and Trump

Lecrae on drawing near to God, using art to lament

Tim Keller on COVID-19 aftermath: Churches will be challenged to do more with less

Bill Johnson: Christians called to give God opportunity to work miracles

4 takeaways from Q Virtual Summit

Pray for

Families of those killed in Cameroon massacre

Jang Moon Seok, who was kidnapped and is being detained in a North Korean prison

New releases

Album:

Graves into Gardens by Elevation Worship (May 1)

Books:

Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling by Paula Faris (April 21)

What the Bible Says about How to Know God's Will by Wayne Grudem (April 28)

The Mobile Family: How Online Education Provides Consistency in a Ever-Changing Environment

For military families, international families, and students living outside their passport country, the experience of continually changing schools, making new friends, and adjusting to new teachers is common. Though it can be exciting, living in an ever-changing environment can also be stressful and intimidating — even for the most outgoing student. Fortunately, online education can provide the consistency, community, and quality education students need to thrive.

Whether you’re a military or expat spouse seeking an advanced degree, a college student trying to juggle work and academic requirements, or a K-12 student beginning the school year in a new environment, online education may be the right choice for you.

Online Education Provides Consistency

For families facing the challenge of frequent relocation, online learning offers both the flexibility and the stability needed for academic success. In fact, the Learning House reports that in 2014, 17% of online learners were active or veteran military, their spouses, or their dependents.

According to statistics, the average child in a military family will move six to nine times throughout their school career. That's an average of three times more frequently than non-military families. Students who take advantage of online education don’t have to worry about constantly transitioning between schools because their schooling travels with them — no matter where they are. And multiple time zones, states, or countries are not an issue for K-12 online students either — all they need to attend class is access to the internet.

Online education benefits more than just children; it’s also a great option for military or expat spouses who want to further their schooling. Because third-culture or military families move so frequently or may be stationed overseas with no access to higher education in their own language, returning to school can seem impossible. Thankfully, online colleges and universities easily cross borders, making quality educational opportunities not only possible, but also accessible, flexible, and affordable.

No matter where you’re living or what kinds of obligations you may have, online colleges provide a convenient way to fit continued professional development into your life. Additionally, military students and their spouses often are eligible for a number of financial benefits that help make a college education more affordable.

Online schooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many students across the country — and the world. A recent report found that more than 6.3 million students in the U.S., most of whom were undergraduates, took at least one online course in fall 2016, a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of students studying on a campus has dropped by over one million between 2012 and 2016... Read More